System of Dan Hostel
Review of Dan Hostel – A Frequent Guest's Perspective
I have been coming to Dan Hostel for years now – nearly a decade – so I'm quite used to it. Like any hostel, it has its pros and cons, depending on what you're looking for.
Pros:
The location is excellent, and it's generally cheaper than most hotels and hostels in Copenhagen. That said, prices can spike on weekends, sometimes reaching hotel-like levels.
Cons:
Cleaning is inconsistent. Sometimes rooms look as if they haven't been touched for days. Noise is another issue, especially on weekdays, because the hostel is large and very popular with Danish and international students visiting the city. Early mornings and evenings can be chaotic – the atmosphere and the whole setup for heading out into the city feel disorganized.
The hostel is actually not popular among travelers who want company and fun, particularly among young and senior students. On weekends, many Swedish and other visitors come for enjoyment, and prices nearly double. The kitchen is fine for making tea or a hot meal, but during breakfast and dinner it becomes overcrowded. Cleaning doesn't meet typical hotel or hostel standards, and it's common for guests to take other people's eggs, cheese, etc. from the fridge.
The worst problem – booking system
The hostel's booking system is completely outdated in terms of technology and efficiency. It hasn't been upgraded in years. As a frequent guest, I am not recognized by the system at all. During busy student periods, you can only book for a maximum of two days because the system blocks further reservations. The reception staff can't help – they just tell you to book online. Even when rooms are visibly vacant for two more days, the system refuses to let you book.
Management priorities
The management seems mostly interested in group bookings (schools, student groups). Individual customers are hosted almost randomly – only brought in when groups don't fill the place. This creates real frustration for solo travelers or regulars like me who want to stay longer but get no recognition from management or the system.
Suggestions
The hostel has two options:
Be clear that groups are the priority and inform individual customers that they are not the main target.
Upgrade the system using AI and machine learning to recognize returning guests and give them priority for longer stays.
Staff and training
I've seen the same staff for years, and I honestly don't know if they receive any training or capacity building.
Final verdict
I keep coming back because the hostel is close to my workplace when I'm in Copenhagen. But if I were visiting as a tourist, I would definitely choose a different hotel or hostel.
3 June 2026
Unprompted review